Become A ‘Criminal’ Or Continue to Risk Death: I Have A Decision To Make

I am trying to decide if I am willing to become a criminal for the sake of my health and quality of life. If so, I would be considered a violator of a federal law, facing a maximum penalty of $50 million and life in prison.

Here is the choice I face:

1) Continue to take legal and potent medications to treat my Rheumatoid Arthritis

or

2) Consider using a drug that although legal in my state, is considered a violation of federal law:

An infection made it to my blood stream and I was minutes away from having organ failure and dying, had I not gone to the ER when I did.

I live in pain, every single day of my life. Some days it’s my feet or my wrists or my neck or my knees. Oftentimes, it’s all of the above. In spite of it all, I love my little life and consider myself incredibly blessed. I am not however, a masochist nor a martyr. Although I have learned to accept my situation, it would be nice to feel better and to improve my quality of life.

I have a long and complicated medical history that no one in their right mind has time to listen to (or would willingly, even if they had the time.) Trust me.

The bottom line is that there is no cure for RA, and although there are well-known medications that reduce symptoms and new ones that are coming on the market, the side effects are horrendous.

There is no question (per numerous doctors that treated me) that my long-term use of some of these medications significantly contributed (if not caused) me to get this deadly infection. One of the common side effects of these types of drugs is weakening of the immune system, thus making the patient more susceptible to infections or worsening of an existing infection.

blogspot.com

Not to mention:

{thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex, increased appetite, fluid retention, weight gain, increased blood sugar (which can lead to diabetes), extreme fatigue, difficulty swallowing, increase in blood pressure, unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels, irritation of lining of stomach and small intestine, ulcers, bleeding, early cataracts and glaucoma, thinning of the bones leading to osteoporosis, mood changes (some people get “revved up” and have trouble sleeping, others get depressed), adrenal suppression, lymphoma.}

I have tried most of the medications available including chemotherapy to treat my RA. Some have helped but they have come at a high price, literally and figuratively.

galleryhip.com

Last Tuesday, I met with a certified well-respected doctor who specializes in medical marijuana, to discuss the potential benefits for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. Holy Shit. There are many, including the suppression of inflammation. Inflammation is my enemy. Inflammation is actually everyone’s enemy and the cause as well as the result of many illnesses.

Marijuana use for RA patients promises to attack inflammation, target pain, relax muscles and help with sleep. Many of the RA drugs out there promise the same benefits but the side effects of marijuana use are NOTHING compared to those of the conventional medications. If marijuana use works for me, I could potentially cut FIVE of the many medications I take daily. That is HUGE. Less poison in my system!

Nobody likes side effects but unfortunately, there is no such thing as no side effects when it comes to medications or certain medical treatments. When comparing the side effects of marijuana to my current medications, to me, it’s a no brainer.

Problem:

The federal law does not recognize medicinal marijuana as acceptable or having medicinal value even if its use is protected under state law. It is not approved by the FDA as a drug that can be prescribed by doctors. Basically, we are halfway there but not quite there. This is not fair to patients who are getting arrested and not fair or practical to expect law enforcement to be responsible for verifying the authenticity of a patient when the state and the federal agencies are not in sync.

After qualifying me as a medicinal marijuana candidate, the doctor gave me a pin number to use when registering my name with the Sate Health Department. If I do this, I want to do it right. I am not interested in getting high every day just for the heck of it . I would like to try the specific strains that target pain and inflammation that may improve my quality of life.

If approved, I will receive my medicinal marijuana ID in a few weeks. It has been suggested that I use a vaporizer to administer the marijuana as opposed to smoking it. That sounds fine to me.

I have researched the arrests of medicinal marijuana patients in my state and they are greater than I would have hoped. The confusion and lack of a standardized process has made it difficult for all involved. I don’t think the police or the FEDS are going to necessarily be interested in little ‘ol me but it is uncomfortable knowing that my name is registered in a state system and that I am in violation of the federal law.

Typically, I find humor of most situations I encounter and believe me, I was tempted to insert all kinds of jokes in this post (like me dealing with distrust and fear of others as a side effect of marijuana) but I need to be serious about this first before I am able to laugh and enjoy the benefits.

********************

Marijuana fines and penalties:

{1000 Kilos or + or 100 plants or + = $10/50million = 10 years to life

100 to 999 Kilos or 100-999 plants = $5/25million = 5 to 40 yrs

50 to 99 kilos or 50-99 plants = $1/5million = up to 20 yrs

Less than 50 kilos, 10 kilos of hashish, 1 kilo of hashish oil or 1-49 plants =$250,000/1million = up to 5 yrs }

74 thoughts on “Become A ‘Criminal’ Or Continue to Risk Death: I Have A Decision To Make”

I am a firm believer in the benefits of smoking cannabis. I’ve been smoking regularly for about 7 years. It helps with my pain, and most of all, soothes my restless legs, which nothing else does. If you suffer from RLS, I recommend it. For the last I have had a license for it, and have it delivered to my house. I feel very safe and comfortable and not worried about getting busted.

Medicinally cannabis is truly a miracle drug. Should never have been scheduled as “no medicinal benefits” and is very soon (if we get a progressive in the White House) going to be federally reclassified. They have begun to let people out of prison who had criminally long sentences.

I’d stop worrying about the possible consequences, though I understand your fear. But our medicinal use of cannabis is our right as patients and the more of us who openly defy the federal law it will have to change. I take 6 medications daily, smoking makes it 7, and is currently the most expensive drug I take, since of course it is not covered by my insurance. But it should be.

Showing this post to my husband who suffers from RA. Both of his knees are so badly inflamed it looks like he has elephant knees (no, I’m not trying to be funny either.) Last month, before his doc gave him an injection in his knees, I seriously thought I was going to have to start pushing him in a wheel chair. His chiropractor suggested the marijuana even though it is absolutely not legal in our country. My husband was all, “I need a prescription, but where will I get one? Nobody in this province does this.” I was all, “If I get you some weed, will you smoke it to reduce your inflammation and pain?” He was all, “I guess.” I have two teenagers. You can figure out the rest. I say do what you have to. I think the authorities have more important fish to fry than someone trying to alleviate their pain. Good luck (and good for you for keeping humour out of it…I kept waiting for a zinger too!)

The medicinal benefits of marijuana have been known for years. And from what I’ve read, there are a number of varieties out there that are bred for medicinal properties, such as pain relief, that have extremely low levels of the stuff that gets you high. With pot recently legalized in my state, I’ve learned a little bit about it. If I were in your shoes, I’d definitely give it a go. Have you looked into eating it? As in having it in food, like a cookie? Don’t know the best way to deliver it to your system.

It’s a terribly tough decision to make. I wouldn’t presume to make it for you. As a fed I have to follow federal law. (Don’t worry I’m not a NARC) (Which is exactly what NARC would say, right?). But if I were outside the federal system and there was a possible treatment for something that was ailing me, I’d have to give it all due consideration. Good luck and best wishes for whatever you decide.

I think you should be able to take what alleviates your pain. Our prisons are full and criminals get off, but a woman with a serious medical condition has to worry about taking a drug that will help her? Crazy.

Holy Crap Chica! Duuuuuuude sounds like you need to move to California. 🙂 But in all seriousness, because you do sound serious, I think you should go for it. As long as you do it through your doctor and with a card and do it in the privacy of your house, I think you’ll be all good. But I can understand why you’d be a little freaked out about it with the Feds. When you here stuff like “prison time” and “fines” that would worry anyone. But I think you’ll be OK in the end.

Guat! I hope you are doing okay. I am sure ‘they’ won’t come after me ( I think) but I just want to make sure I’ve thought of all the circumstances and potential fall backs. Like I said, I want to do it right. Gracias! 😎😎🍁

“Health is not everything, but without health everything is nothing.” ~ Arthur Schopenhauer

So . . . keep your fingers crossed that between now and September (when the first dispensary opens) all the kinks get ironed out so you can vape in peace and reap the benefits of reefer without fear of arrest, fines, or prison time.

Little did we know or guess that chronic medical conditions would make revolutionaries of regular folks. Glad your state allows for medical marijuana. It’s just a matter of time before the federal government falls into line. Unless we get a Governor Perry for President. Of course, next we’ll have endless back-and-forths about the risks of marijuana, like we have with alcohol and cigarettes, but that’s way better than tossing a person in jail for having a joint in their pocket.

Hurray that marijuana offers you some relief. Rheumatoid Arthritis is not for wusses. Keep up the good fight.

Can I tell you that I love your gravatar photo! Every time I see it pop around, it makes me smile. 🙂 I don’t know yet if if will help me but I’ve got to try! It would be plain stupid if I didn’t try it. And UGH on the presidential candidates! 🙂

You make it sound so dramatic! If you have a card and you buy from a dispensary, you won’t be arrested if you use it in the privacy of your home. Obama is keeping the Feds from arresting people with medicinal cards. This has been in place for a few years. Go for it! It’s legal here and I only see benefits, but I don’t have any interest in smoking weed. Look at this week’s Time Magazine.

It sounds simple and I am glad it’s that simple in Colorado but It’s so new here and there are no dispensaries open because they keep being blocked. It is not very “accepted” here yet, thus my dilemma. I am sure in states where weed is legal both for recreation and medicinal purposes, it’s no big deal! I hope we get to that point here. Thanks for “weighing in”, Susie. 🙂

I have the same issues. In addition to cancer, I have an every six week infusion of Remecade which takes care of the pain (Ankylosing spondylitis ) but carries with it all the side effects you mention. I would be interested in seeing how your use works.(if you ever get to use that is)

I am so sorry to hear this, John. You do know of the struggles the pain and the horrible side effects. 😦 I have taken Prednisone, Enbrel, Remecade, Methotrexate & Rituxan (chemo) and am supposed to begin Orencia in the near future. UGH! I hope I can take advantage of this new opportunity to try something that promises to really help while not…killing me. I will keep you posted on my process. Be well! 🙂

I’m in complete support of you trying this to hopefully reduce your pain and reduce your prescriptions! My mother has been in pain most of my life with numerous problems. We’ve joked with her for years about making her brownies. Her response has always been the same, “I can’t girls, it’s illegal” Trust me, she would do it, otherwise. 🙂

Aww, your poor mama! I bet she is strong as nails. Having my kids and wanting to be a good example for them has definitely made me stay close to the law. They are adults now and encourage me to go for it like you and your sister do. I hope it does work out for me and I thank you greatly for your support. 🙂

Oh Maria, I have this very same conversation with my daughter. She tells me that medicinal MJ has been proven to help Aspie’s with anxiety and she wishes it was legalised here for medical use. But it’s not. Apparantely the only time it’s used here, and then very heavily controlled, is for those with MS. I don’t blame you for looking into this. No drugs are without side effects, but you have to sometimes make the best, informed decision that is best for you and you have definitely done that. It would be great if you could come off some of your present drugs and find some relief at long last. Keep us posted and wishing you all the best in the world ❤ xo

I have heard that it helps a lot with anxiety. That is too bad it’s not available for your daughter. 😦 I think we will see change (if the pharmaceuticals allow it) but I’d like to take advantage of this soon and not when I am 80! Thanks for your sweet words, Sherri. 🙂

Amazing that you even have to contemplate this at all. I don’t know why I’m surprised, but whenever it comes to healthcare I’m flabbergasted by all the trickery going on. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. *shakes head in dismay*

Thanks so much, Ally! It really comes down to the pharmaceuticals and how much control they have over everything! The lobbyists will not stop fighting and protecting the monopoly they have! I would shake my head more in dismay except that it hurts my neck. hee,hee. Thanks for your support, chica. 🙂

Sign up and use the smarter state law to your advantage, Mrs. B. You’d be doing yourself, Mr. B and the two B birds a great disservice if you didn’t treat yourself to this advantage that your doctor and your commonwealth has signed of on for you. Please. The feds have bigger worries than you and your awful RA, which is certainly still no joking matter, my friend.

You are so right, Mr. B. As always, I have to be careful of the choices I make in order to protect Mr. B and his job. I want to make sure I am not missing anything and that it won’t come back to bite me in the @ss or Mr. B’s @ss! It would be stupid for me not to take advantage of this opportunity now that is legal in my state. I don’t want to continue living in fear of another infection or further damage to the organs that I have left! No Mas!! Gracias for your support, as always. 🙂

Do it. You have to do what’s right for you, and this seems like the most logical choice for your health. The war on drugs is stupid and I think it will be over soon. I don’t think you need to worry about the Feds.

Thanks, Scott! I have to be so careful because of my husband’s job so I want to make sure I make this decision as carefully as possible considering all aspects. It does seem like the most logical choice given all the other options I have already tried. Hopefully the FEDS won’t be able to break through THIS brickhouse! 🙂

At the moment, the federal gov’t is under a directive to not pursue cases against medical users, or users in states where recreational marijuana is used.
Use away, just don’t carry it over state lines.

That is good, except that there are definite cases of patients being arrested and charged in my state. It is so confusing that law enforcement doesn’t even know how to handle it. I think it will get better with time (I hope). There are no dispensaries open in my state because they have been blocked. I believe one should open in September. Thanks for the heads up on crossing state lines! Nice to see you here, Guapisimo! 🙂

Well then, I will give you my address asap, Catherine!! Ha,ha! We are so behind over here. There are no dispensaries yet in my state because they keep getting blocked. I understand having to be careful and the fact that like any drug, marijuana is being misused by many, but separate the medicinal aspect of it and let patients get the relief they need with lesser side effects!

I’ve never understood why the use of marijuana for medication purposes has been such a big issue. Prescription pain pills are so much worse. And don’t even get me started on the addiction rates of these pills.
Do it Maria! You only have one life and if there is something available that will improve the quality of that life, you must take advantage of it.

You are so right, Jill. Addiction to these pain killers are contributing to the increase in Heroin use and deaths! THAT is the bigger problem. I’m just a brickhouse living in a small town trying to live my little life the best I can. 🙂

Very true. They are the ones holding it all back. I would move to Canada but after hearing all the nightmare issues Nancy Tex had with her gall bladder surgery, it scares me to death to lose my great health insurance! Nothing is easy. Nada! 🙂

I agree with Nancy. Do it. You have a real shot to feel somewhat better, to get off some other meds, and to quit damaging your system. Plus, you know people in high places who can help if necessary. Just think how you’ll fit in at a certain festival in your area……..

Ha,ha! Can you believe this year was the last year of the festival!?? The town won’t allow it to come back because it was getting too big. Aww shucks! I would be stupid not to try it. I want to do it right and get the right strain but it’s definitely unnerving considering I try to follow the ‘rules’ as my dear Mr. B does. I do hate rules though.

I believe so much more good would be done if the medical marijuana (however they separate it out from the recreational stuff) was regulated and administered the same way prescription drugs were. To me, that eliminates the confusion and gives legitimate users a protected way to get what they need. I don’t envy you the decision at all, but definitely advocate for safer ways to treat your pain that don’t involve potential death….I’m telling you, the side effects of most medicines is what keeps me trying so hard to stay healthy.

I would wonder if a discussion with a lawyer, who is well versed in the intricacies of the federal laws and how they are applied to state level cases, would provide you with some guidance. Once you’re fairly clear on how the laws work, you should be able to make a better informed decision as well as have a contingency plan in place for the (goddess forbid) “What happens if” scenarios.

Wonderful advice! That is a good idea to check things out legally to cover myself in the event things go wrong. Not having to take any meds and suffer the effects of the horrible side effects is a perfect incentive for taking care of yourself. Good for you! They do need to treat this like other prescriptions so that they have better control of who gets it and how it’s given. Thank you for weighing in on my decision, I appreciate it! 🙂

Pharms are disgusting. They only keep you sick enough to keep maintaining. It’s so gross…the pharms’ side effects, while you are already dealing with major league pain!
Vape, girl. Get it. And ENJOY the side effects of your new, NATURAL medicine.
RA is a bitch and I’m so sorry that you have to deal with that kind of pain. How frustrating!!!!!!
I live in a state where it is NOT legal to possess or even grow for personal use. As a matter of fact, if you SMELL like Mary Jane, you can be fired from your job. However, I don’t give a shit. I suffer from anxiety and although my schwag is extremly helpful, I smoke regularly FOR THE SIDE EFFECTS. One day it will be legal. The drug war is over, and science continues to prove Cannabis’ awesome wonders as a miracle plant. The holy grail, if you will. And it’s scaring the shit out of our pharmaceutical companies.

You are so right! It is probably all being blocked by the pharm companies. They know how much $$$$ they will lose if it is approved. I am glad to hear that it helps you with your anxiety and I hope your state joins the progressive ones soon! So crazy! I appreciate your words of wisdom. 🙂 🙂

Plain and simple. We NEED federal government to “finalize” this. Fast. Too many people are being criminalized for this plant that has POSSITIVE side effects. Yet, our federal government doesn’t give two fucks if I’m inebriated and addicted from my Oxi pain relievers that my doc gives me. That’s complete bullshit.

I think you should do it. Things are changing, although slowly and quality of life is more important than laws that don’t make sense. Marijuana is less dangerous then so many things the government allows. I know it is scary but unless you are planning on dealing or doing something crazy I think the benefits outweigh the risks.

Thanks, Lisa. There are no dispensaries open yet since they have been blocked by laws. There have been patients arrested because the police can’t verify letters from doctors even if they weren’t selling or dealing. I agree that I will probably be safe but it’s an uneasy feeling.

State did pass but we don’t have any dispensaries open yet because they have been blocked. One is expected to open in September. They still ‘remind’ you that you are violating a federal law. Crazy, huh?

No brainer. And vape all the way. So much better than smoking.
Good luck with your decision (although, as I opened with), your decision seems pretty obvious to me. Look after yourself. Health and quality of life are king.

It does seem like a no brainer I just don’t want this coming back and kicking me in the ass. I have no interest in smoking it (my lungs won’t allow it) so I looked into vapes, the one recommended is $250! It cost $200 to see doc, $50 to register and the vape will be $250 and I haven’t even bought any weed!! LOL.